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Prescription Drug DUI charges
If you plan to move or travel to Arizona; you should become familiar with Arizona’s strict prescription drug DUI laws.
A person may be arrested in Arizona for a DUI, if they are not driving drunk, and even if they have had no alcohol at all. Last year Drug impairments accounted for 15% of all DUI arrests in Arizona. Police attribute many of these to Prescription DUI violations. If a motorist is driving impaired due to Prescription-only medications solely or in combination with alcohol, they may be exposed to a DUI Arrest. Convictions for drug related driving impairments are generally as severe as those for alcohol related impaired driving charges.
Arizona Prescription Drug DUI Laws
A.R.S. 28-1381 – In Arizona it is unlawful for a person to drive or be in actual physical control of a vehicle, if the person is “impaired to the slightest degree” while:
• Under the influence of intoxicating liquor, any drug, a vapor releasing substance containing a toxic substance or any combination of liquor, drugs or vapor releasing substances if the person is impaired to the slightest degree; • If the person has an alcohol concentration of 0.08 or more within two hours of driving or being in actual physical control of the vehicle; • Due to any drug defined under A.R.S. 13-3401 or its metabolite in a person’s bodily systems.
Prescription Drug DUI Penalties
A person found guilty of driving impaired due to prescription drugs will be convicted of a Class 1 Misdemeanor. Penalties first offense Drug DUI convictions include 10 days in jail; substance abuse education and screening; fines, fees, costs of $1250.00; 90 day driver’s license suspension; and probation; and Ignition Interlock Device (IID) one year. A second violation, within 7 years is a Class 1Misdemeanor. Penalties include 90 days jail; $3,000.00 fines, fees, costs; license revocation for one year; probation; Ignition Interlock Device (IID); and probation. A third DUI violation of any kind within 7 years, with two prior DUI convictions elevates a DUI to a Class 4 Felony, or Aggravated DUI to a Class 4 Felony. Penalties call for 4 months in prison for the third DUI; and 8 months for subsequent impaired driving convictions; fines, fees, costs of at least $4,000.00; driver’s license revocation for 3 years; ignition interlock device (IID) 2 years; probation or community service; and a felon criminal record.
These penalties may vary slightly, and additional penalties may apply.
Prescription Drugs Defined
A.R.S. 13-3401 (28) includes the definition of “Prescription only drug” and means; • Any toxic or potentially harmful drug as recognized in the general medical community; and • Is considered safe to use only under the supervision of a licensed and qualified medical practitioner; • Limited or approved for use as new drug under Federal Rules and medical supervision; of a medical practitioner. • Potentially harmful drugs with labeling that includes proper directions for use; • Drugs required by the Federal Rules to include labeling with the test “Federal law prohibits dispensing without prescription” or “Rx only”.
Criminal Attorney for Prescription Drug DUI defense Gilbert AZ
Arizona has some of the toughest laws and penalties for conviction in the county. If you are arrested for any type of impaired driving in Arizona due to alcohol or drugs, your future and freedom are in jeopardy. But you have the right to defend their charges, and by law are innocent until proven guilty. You should consult a criminal defense attorney, regarding your matter before deciding to plead “guilty”. If retained, a qualified legal advocate will protect your rights and defend your charges. There may be defenses you are not aware of that could lead to a case dismissal, reduction of charges, or mitigation in sentencing.
Additional Resources:
• Arizona Prescription Drug Definition
• Gilbert AZ Police DUI Enforcement Units
• Criminal Court Gilbert AZ
• Arizona MADD.org
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Law Office of James Novak 4500 S. Lakeshore Drive Tempe AZ 85282 (480) 413-1499 www.Arizonacriminaldefenselawyer.com www.novakazlaw.com Arizona DUI & Criminal Defense Firm Serving Maricopa County Phoenix-metro, and surrounding East Valley Cities